Carpet area, built-up area, plinth area, and super built-up area are crucial terms when buying a home. Each term offers different insights into the true size and usable space within a property. Carpet area refers to the usable floor space inside a home. It excludes the walls. Built-up area encompasses the carpet area along with the thickness of the walls and additional spaces like balconies. Understanding these terms is essential, especially for civil engineers who need to adeptly interpret floor plans. This article will explore these different types of areas. It will provide clarity on the actual dimensions of a property. It will also explain the distinction between built-up area and carpet area.
Types of areas in Building Construction
We should be informed with the following building construction practices before making home buying plans. Following are the terminologies usually followed in dealing with building construction.
- Plot area
- Built-up area or Plinth area
- Carpet area
- Setback area
- Super built-up area
Before getting into these terms first we have to know what is RERA
Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, (RERA)
The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, (RERA) is an act established by the Indian parliament. The main objective of RERA is to give prompt information between the buyers and sellers. This increases transparency and reduces the chance of cheating.
There are three different ways to calculate the area of the property.
- In terms of the Carpet area
- In terms of Built-up area
- In terms of Super built-up area
While buying a property buyer should pay for the area which is usable. RERA provides safety of money, buyer protection and balanced agreement.
Plot area (Areas of building)
The plot area includes the complete area which you own. This area comes under the fencing.
Carpet area (Areas of building)
Carpet area is a term which the real estate agent uses the most. It is the area of the building which can be covered by using carpet. It is also called a net usable floor area.
Carpet Area = Total floor area – Area of internal/external walls
But as per RERA Carpet area = Total Floor area – Area of external walls
According to RERA flats should be sold on the basis of carpet area. The carpet area as per RERA is the area of usable spaces such as bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, toilet etc. It also includes an area covered by internal partition walls. It excludes areas such as Balcony, utility areas, external walls area, open terrace area, lift, lobby, staircase etc. Mostly carpet area is 70% of its built-up area.
Plinth area
The plinth area is also known as the Built-up area. It is the total area of the building within the plot area. It is mostly 30% of the total plot area.
Built-up Area/ Plinth area = carpet area + Area of walls
It includes living room, bedrooms, utility, bathroom, wall thickness, kitchen, balcony closed staircases etc. and excludes open terrace area, lift, open staircase, swimming pool etc. It is 10 to 15 % more than the carpet area.
Super built-up area
Super built-up area was used to measure the area of property before the RERA act came into existence. Because the super built-up area lowers the rate per square foot. Saleable area is another name of super built-up area.
Super Built-Up Area = Setback area+Built-up Area+20% of common area
Super built-up area includes common areas like swimming pool, clubhouses, lobby, staircase, Lift, etc. and the built-up area of the flat.
Set back area
Set back area is the space between the boundary and the building. It is the minimum open space necessary around the building. As per the municipal regulation a specific margin should be provided between building and road.
Setback area = Built-up Area – Plot area
This provides sufficient ventilation, ease in vehicle movement and protection from other entities
Built up area vs carpet area
Built-up area vs. carpet area are important terms in real estate that describe different aspects of a property’s space. Carpet area refers to the actual floor area inside the walls where you can place carpet or furniture. It includes rooms like bedrooms and kitchens but excludes areas like balconies and walls.
Built-up area, on the other hand, includes the carpet area plus the space taken up by walls and other building parts. This means it covers all enclosed spaces within the building, including walls, corridors, and partitions. Built-up area is typically larger than the carpet area by about 10% to 15% because it counts everything inside the building’s outer walls.
Knowing the difference between carpet area and built up area is important for homebuyers. Carpet area tells you exactly how much livable space you get, while built-up area gives you a broader view that includes all internal structures. This understanding helps buyers make informed decisions about the space they’re getting in a property.
Super built-up area
Super built-up area was used to measure the area of property before the RERA act came into existence. Because the super built-up area lowers the rate per square foot. Saleable area is another name of super built-up area.
Super Built-Up Area = Setback area+Built-up Area+20% of common area
Super built-up area includes common areas like swimming pool, clubhouses, lobby, staircase, Lift, etc. and the built-up area of the flat.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the differences between carpet area, built-up area, and other terms like super built-up area is crucial when buying a property. Carpet area specifically denotes the usable floor space inside the walls, while built-up area includes everything within those walls, including partitions and corridors. RERA guidelines emphasize selling flats based on carpet area, ensuring transparency and fair pricing. Super built-up area, now less common due to RERA, includes common areas like lobbies and lifts, affecting overall cost calculations. Setback area refers to the open space required around a building, ensuring adequate ventilation and safety margins.
Conclusion:
- Carpet Area:
- The space inside walls where you can put furniture.
- It’s the actual usable living area.
- Built-Up Area:
- Includes carpet area plus walls, corridors, and partitions.
- Shows the total enclosed space.
- Budgeting Help:
- Knowing these differences helps plan finances better.
- Avoids confusion about what’s included.
- Setback Area Compliance:
- Ensures legal safety and ventilation around buildings.
- Specifies required open space around a building.
- Confident Property Decisions:
- Understanding these terms guides smart property choices.
- Aligns with fair standards like those set by RERA.
- Ensures buyers get the best value for their investment.